Art by Tim Noble and Sue Webster
Shadows result from interrupting light between its source and the target of its illumination, creating dark, two-dimensional silhouettes on a surface. A name given to the process of intentionally creating images—by controlling the distance between the light source and the interruption and the distance between the interruption and the surface—might be two-dimensional sculpting with shadows. But the images might simply be called shadow art. However, the interruption of the light source might be made from three-dimensional objects. Incorporating two-dimensional objects, three-dimensional objects, and a light source necessary to observe both may add complexity to and deep appreciation of the understanding of dimensions. The image here, frequently viewable on the internet as a stunning example of shadow art, was created by Tim Noble and Sue Webster, whose art “involves arranging various objects and debris into seemingly chaotic compositions that serve as a bridge between contrasting realities.” Obviously, the arrangements of the objects that interrupt the light source must be incredibly intricate; absent the light source and the “canvas,” the intricacies would appear to be meaningless trash. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Understanding is in the brain. Appreciation is in the mind.
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Suddenly, it’s almost 8:00 a.m.; time to rush into town for my chemo-therapy session. Somehow, I’ve spent close to two hours sitting at my desk—reading, thinking, and writing. Time is not a reliable measure of experience, nor can I depend on time to keep me informed of my obligations. Even the calendar often abandons its responsibilities in that regard. And, so, off I go. Home again by 1 or 2 this afternoon, I think.
